For a band that only released two studio albums and had only one major hit, Joy Division has had a disproportionate effect on pop culture. The band was only active from 1976 to 1980, and was effectively finished when lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide on May 18th 1980, on the eve of the bands first tour of the United States. After Curtis' death, the remaining members reformed as New Order, one of the most influential New Wave bands of the 1980's.
However, Joy Division was not forgotten. The bands music, which was largely described as post-punk and in recent years has been cited as an early influence of Goth, is still celebrated as one of the most original sounds of the late 1970's. In fact, Joy Division has been cited by comic book artist and writer James O'Barr as an indispensable inspiration for his cult classic comic book hero The Crow.
However, the bands music is not the only thing that has inspired artists over the years. The 'waveform' cover to Joy Divisions 1978 album Unknown Pleasures which was created by designer Peter Saville. The image is largely considered an artistic touchstone and widely thought to be one of the best known abstract art pieces in pop culture. For you rocket scientists, the image is actually a reference to CP 1919, which was the first-known radio pulsar captured in space in 1967.
It seems that even the designers at Disney are fans of Joy Division. This week Disney has released a new series of merchandise, that includes a tee-shirt that quite aptly borrows the 'waveform' imagery. The 'Waves Mickey Mouse' t-shirt was available at DisneyStore.com for $24.95, but as of this evening the item was totally sold out.
-Admiral Duke
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